Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Sunday announced that the country has achieved 81 percent coverage in its ongoing measles vaccination programme for children.
The minister shared this information while responding to queries from journalists following the conclusion of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Conference .
Sakhawat Husain noted that the child mortality rate resulting from measles has already seen a decline. He expressed optimism that the mortality rate would decrease further once the vaccination drive reaches 100 per cent completion, which is expected within the next two-day.
During his discussions with the deputy commissioner, the health minister issued several directives aimed at ensuring healthcare services in the country’s remote regions.
He specifically addressed the shortage of ambulances and called for stringent measures to prevent irregularities and the influence of middlemen. He further instructed officials to take firm action against mismanagement in private clinics and to eliminate “brokerage” within ambulance services.
The minister also emphasised the need for increased surveillance on dispensaries to prevent the sale of adulterated medicines. To bolster child nutrition, he sought the cooperation of the deputy commissioner in raising awareness about breastfeeding among mothers.
Regarding public health challenges, the minister requested the support of the DCs in ensuring cleanliness and hygiene ahead of the upcoming dengue season. He added that initiatives are being taken to expand the scope of healthcare services through better coordination with Civil Surgeons.
Addressing emergency medical needs, the health minister confirmed that sufficient stocks of antivenom have been maintained to reduce deaths from snake bites.
Furthermore, he issued a directive ensuring that medical care for rabies patients is guaranteed and that no patient is turned away from healthcare facilities.
